Jaguares proof Pumas can end 35-yr drought

By Vince Rugari

Winning on Australian soil hasn't come easy for Argentina but the Los Pumas team that runs out for Saturday's Rugby Championship clash will already know what it takes.

That's because they've done it twice already this year.

Inspiration: The Jaguares claimed two wins on Australian soil this year.

Photo: PA

Not since 1983, when the two nations met at Test level for the first time, have Los Pumas managed to defeat the Wallabies on the road.

But it's a different story for Super Rugby's Jaguares, whose form should give the South Americans genuine hope of snapping that 35-year drought on the Gold Coast.

The Jaguares beat the Melbourne Rebels and Brumbies in their away fixtures this season while also knocking off the NSW Waratahs in Buenos Aires as they qualified for the finals for the first time in franchise history.

Former Wallabies scrum coach Mario Ledesma, now in charge of Los Pumas, masterminded all three victories.